

The First English and Zion Lutheran churches in Ortonville will host a Blue Christmas service. Everyone is welcome!
Blue Christmas provides a time to acknowledge God’s presence and is especially helpful for anyone who is mourning or struggling. Offered on what is called the “longest night” of the year, the service will start at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, at the First English Church. First English is located at 9 Third Street NW in downtown Ortonville.
Pastor Cheryl Rondeau-Bassett emphasizes, “All are welcome! Regardless of whether you have suffered loss this year or in the past, you are invited to join this nondenominational service to honor your loss and embrace God’s Hope that shines through the darkness.”
According to Rondeau-Bassett, during the holidays many wrestle with their emotions brought on by the thought of an empty chair at the dinner table. Grieving someone you have shared Christmases with is especially difficult when you are apart for the first time. It can evoke intense feelings of loss, loneliness, and sadness.
“This wonderful time of year can also be very painful if you have experienced divorce, health issues, unemployment, business loss, broken relationships, life-altering operations, family conflict or trauma, or any other type of loss,”says Rondeau-Bassett. “It can make you feel life is not wonderful at all.”
She explains that the long nights with extra hours of darkness can add to feelings of gloom to increase your sense of hopelessness and sorrow. Happiness and joyful activities can bear down on those who grieve more deeply as everyone else appears to be cheerful and celebrating.
Instead of suffering alone or in silence, Rondeau-Bassett suggests an alternative. “This Blue Christmas service creates a safe place to join with others who mourn or struggle with loss and a place to hear God’s word of hope and healin
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